By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
November 17, 2000
Forget about 1,000 points of light. Michigan Avenue will glow with a million holiday lights when the ninth annual Magnificent Lights Festival kicks into gear Saturday.
Last year’s two-day event drew more than 800,000 for a weekend of shopping and festivities, and the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association expects even more spectators this weekend.
“The day after Thanksgiving used to be the highest day for sales here in Chicago,” says Kelly Wisecarver, event chairwoman. “But [the lights festival] has turned out to be a bigger day.
“It’s really all quite amazing how many people come down to see the lights and participate in the events. And then they stroll into the stores to window-shop or get an early jump on their holiday shopping. It’s a lot of fun for the whole family.”
For the seventh year in a row, Walt Disney World brings its entertainment to the event. Disney’s biggest star–Mickey Mouse–will be on hand, as well as Cinderella, her Fairy Godmother and Prince Charming.
Cinderella will ride in an opulent carriage attended by horsemen.
Not to be outdone, Snow White and her prince will ride on one float, while Belle and her Beast hold court on another.
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Weekend highlights include: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday: Walt Disney World presents outdoor stage shows at Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan. The 15 Disney characters will present their dream holidays. Other treats from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday: listening to carolers, sipping hot cocoa and gawking at an Eli’s cheesecake gingerbread house. Also, a children’s petting zoo with Santa’s reindeer. 6 p.m. Saturday: Mickey Mouse, girlfriend Minnie and some of their pals will lead a lighting ceremony down the Magnificent Mile. The ceremony, which will commence at Michigan and Oak, will head south to the Chicago River. 6 p.m. Sunday: Something’s cooking but not in the kitchen. Some of the city’s best chefs will strut down the catwalk at Bloomingdale’s fashion show–aptly titled “Great Chefs: The Ultimate Fashion Plate.” The show will benefit children’s charities in the Chicago area.
For more information, call (312) 409-5560.
